It looks like we might benefit from dietary intakes of luteolin without having to take a supplement for it. This mouse study suggests that dietary intake of luteolin may help prevent neurodegenerative disease through suppressing brain inflammation. Maybe this specific topic on luteolin has already been addressed here. Foods sources with the most luteolin are parsley, celery hearts, and rutabagas.
Brain Function Improved by Luteolin in Celery, Parsley, Chamomile TeaBy FYI Health Writer on </SPAN>Mar 28, 2011Summary
Inflammation (and the toxic byproducts of the inflammation) of a certain group of brain cells called the microglia are associated with aging, reduced cognition and neuron degeneration. Adding luteolin, a flavonoid, to the diet has been found to effectively control the secretion of these biochemical triggers by the microglia. In turn, this improves brain function related to the area of the brain called the hippocampus, which is the center for memory and learning. Thus, this study attempts to estimate the beneficial effects of dietary luteolin on protection of the brain cells from deterioration and loss of function.
Introduction
Neuron degeneration begins prior to physical aging; and so signs of brain aging could appear even in medically fit middle-aged people. The portion of the world's population that is over 60 years of age is growing rapidly. So also is the number of people at risk of neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer's. Therefore, developing remedies to slow down brain aging has become essential. Experiments have proved that the concentration of specific compounds in the hippocampus lead to inflammation, resulting in deficient cognition. Flavonoids, being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature, are an excellent choice for controlling inflammation induced by secretions of the microglia. Flavonoids protect the brain cells and improve learning and memory-related tasks linked to the hippocampus.
Methodology
* The effect of luteolin on microglial cell culture was studied under laboratory conditions using plasma extracts from mice.
* Adult (3 to 6 months old) and older (22 to 24 months old) male mice were provided with either a standard diet or diet containing 6 grams luteolin/kg.
* Cognition tests and memory assessment were done based on a water maze model where the mice had to find their way to a platform using given cues. The platform location was reversed to check for spatial memory.
* Plasma luteolin content was estimated at the end of the experiment and statistical measures were calculated.
Results/Key findings
* The secretion of biochemicals by the activated microglia was reduced up to 70 percent by adding luteolin to the diet. The effect of luteolin on the microglia caused a protective effect on the neurons.
* Inclusion of luteolin in the diet improved memory with the advantage of less inflammation.
* Mice fed with luteolin located the platform by swimming faster. The luteolin-fed mice also were better in the reverse task.
Next steps/Shortcomings
The impact of dietary luteolin on hippocampus-related cognition needs further examination. The exact bioavailability and penetration of luteolin into the brain needs to be measured. Also, the possibility of luteolin acting on the periphery to influence immune system-to-brain signals should be studied. The hypothesis, that luteolin controls inflammation by reducing expression of certain cytokines (cellular biochemicals) and requires further proof.
Conclusion
In today's world of medical advances, the geriatric population segment is increasing. A very significant concern is ensuring protection against brain aging. Celery, parsley, chamomile tea and some other vegetables and fruits are rich sources of luteolin, an important flavonoid, known to express properties of antioxidation, removal of damaging free radicals and anti-inflammation. Loss of memory and hippocampus-related functions were reversed in older mice fed with a luteolin-rich diet. From the present study, it is clear that inflammation in brain cells that affects cognition and induces neuro-degeneration can be controlled by consumption of luteolin-rich food. Thus, luteolin in one's diet could be effective in both therapy and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
For More Information:
Luteolin Inhibits Microglia and Alters Hippocampal-Dependent Spatial Working Memory in Aged Mice
Publication Journal: The Journal of Nutrition, August 2010
By Saebyeol Jang; Ryan N. Dilger; University of Illinois, Urbana
Read more at FYI Living: http://fyiliving.com.../#ixzz1P2kYRa87
Edited by MorganM, 12 June 2011 - 07:18 AM.
